I Want This More Than Food Itself

Wendy and I are entering week three of a modified fast where we're taking nutrition but not eating solid foods.

It's tempting to confuse fasting as a hunger strike, but we shouldn't ever relate to it that way. We don't go without food (or other necessities) in order to twist God's arm.

I relate to fasting as a demonstrated prayer that "we want this more than food itself." I crave real food right now. But for every meal that I go without food, it is a reminder of what I crave more than food itself. For me, I am craving God's blessing. I believe he wants to do something new among us, and I don't want us to miss it. I crave that, so that's the focus of my prayer and fasting.

Is there anything you crave so much that you want it more than food itself? Turn it into a prayer and amplify it with a fast, going without something for a period of time as a demonstrated prayer.

Call to Prayer: Monday, October 26, at 7pm
Two weeks ago we entered a season of prayer. We're devoting six Monday nights to prayer throughout the months of October, November, and December. Tonight is the second.

If you're near Sarasota, come into the auditorium at 4041 Bahia Vista Street.
If you can't come in person, join our hosted meeting at  https://sarasotacommunity.online.church. 
Both start at 7pm.

What to Expect
Like last time, this will not be a time to take turns praying publicly. There's a time and place for that. But tonight is a time to gather in one room together and to pray to God personally, together at the same time.

Some will pray quietly.
Some will pray out loud together.
Some will type in the chat room online.
Some will wander through the room.
Some will silently read the chats, agreeing where they are.
Some will bow tenderly in one of the pews.
Some will write in their journal.
Some will leaf through their Bible.
Some will find a corner somewhere to lie prostrate before the Lord.
Some will sing a song of worship quietly between them and the Lord.

And all will pray and be heard by God.

Who is this for?
Anyone who cares about Sarasota Community Church. If you want it to be for you, it is for you. 

But specifically, I am asking all members of SCC to devote time to prayer in this season. I believe these prayers are setting up something new among us. Whatever that means, let it be in answer to the prayers of those of us who have linked arms in membership, praying the prayer of faith. 

The reality is that in most churches, most Sunday morning attenders don't attend separate prayer meetings. There are all sorts of reasons for that. But my hope is that everyone attends at least one of the six prayer meetings either in person or online. And if two or three of us (or twenty or thirty of us) are seeking the Lord together, that's enough. (Matthew 18:19-20 NIV)

What are we being asked to pray for?
God's leading. I wrote about it two weeks ago so, rather than rewrite it, I'll just ask you to reread it. 

Then, tonight, the following questions will again be on the screen to help focus our thoughts as we discern God's leading:

• What fears and hopes do you have?
• What opportunities do you see?
• What is still left undone?
• What is God calling us to be?

See you tonight.

---